Andalucian Main Dishes

The most well known main dish on the Costa del Sol is of course paella, which is extremely popular in Marbella but did infact originate in Valencia and make its way down to the sunny shores throughout the years. Traditionally served with rabbit and snails inland, you will now find it mostly with chicken, vegetables and seafood in most restaurants along the Coast. The other typical Andalucian dish is pescado frito, or fried fish, which usually includes prawns, shrimp, anchovies, baby squid and cuttlefish as well as dorada and rosada (gilthead bream and pink bream).

Meat

The Andalucians love meat dishes, whether it's jamon Iberico (Iberian ham), chicken, lamb, pork or the more traditional oxtail, it is readily available for you to try in restaurants and to cook yourself from supermarkets. One of our favourites at My Guide is the suckling pig - not the most attractive dish to arrive at the table but definitely the tastiest!

Fish and Shellfish

There is a wealth of fish and shellfish available and many well known dishes include some typical favourites such as gambas pil pil (prawns in garlic oil), boquerones and sardines (espeto de sardinas) cooked on an open flame (usually in an old boat) on the beach. Shrimp, squid, mackerel and flatfish are also very popular on the coast.